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Frequently Asked Questions

General Celebration Questions

What is Lavender Commencement Celebration (LCC)?

LCC is the University of Southern California’s annual graduation ceremony for LGBT undergraduate and graduate/professional students as well as their supportive allies. Similar to USC’s Black Graduation and Latino Graduation, LCC honors students from within the LGBT and Ally community to commemorate their contributions to the university.

When is LCC?

LCC is scheduled before final exams and other campus commencement activities to guarantee all Trojans are able to attend.

Who will be at LCC?

LCC has a keynote speaker who shares advice, words of wisdom as well as their own life experiences with graduates. In addition, LGBT and Ally faculty and staff members attend as well as alumni from the USC Lambda LGBT Alumni Association. Other community members from local LGBT organizations are invited. This is an open event, which means anyone from campus can attend.

What else happens at LCC?

At LCC, graduates are recognized and presented with a certificate. The celebration also recognizes and awards undergraduate and graduate student leaders as well as active LGBT and Ally faculty and staff members. At the end of the celebration, there is a post-event reception for all graduates and guests.

How long is the program?

The actual LCC program is no longer than an hour and a half. We have an optional reception afterwards for networking.

How can I apply for Lambda Alumni Association scholarships?

The USC Lambda LGBT Alumni Association scholarship applications are available online and due in the early part of the spring semester. Undergraduate and graduate/professional students are able to apply.

Who coordinates LCC?

The LGBT Resource Center assembles a LCC planning committee in October. It consists of representatives from the center, USC Lambda LGBT Alumni Association and QuASA. It also has graduate students, staff and faculty members. If you are interested in joining, please email lgbt@usc.edu.

Graduate Participant Questions

Why should I participate in LCC?

If you are graduating and identify as LGBT or a supportive Ally, you should participate in LCC because it is an opportunity to celebrate and recognize your contributions to the campus community. As a graduate, you will receive a rainbow tassel, special gift and recognition from the Division of Student Affairs.

How do I sign up to be in LCC?

If you are a graduate, please complete the registration form.

Can my friends and family attend LCC?

Yes. If you are a graduate, please complete the registration form and use your two invitation opportunities to send invites to friends and family. If you need more invitations, please e-mail the Lavender Commencement Celebration Planning Committee at lavender@usc.edu.

When will I receive verification for LCC?

You will be contacted by the LGBT Resource Center three weeks before the actual event.

How many graduates usually participate in LCC?

In 2012, LCC reached monumental success with over 70 LGBT and Ally graduates participating in the celebration and over 150 guests in attendance. This was the best attendance for LCC since its creation.

How long is the program?

The actual LCC program is no longer than an hour and a half. We have a small reception afterwards for networking.

How should I dress?

Dress for the graduates is business casual. You do not need to wear a cap and gown.

Invited Guests Questions

If I am not a graduate and I want to attend, do I need to RSVP?

Yes. To help coordinate logistics for the event, all guests are asked to RSVP. If you are a guest, please complete the guest registration form.

How do I get to Argue Plaza?

Where should I park?

You should park in Parking Structure X (PSX) located at Gate 3, the corner of Jefferson and Figueroa. Parking is $10.

Will there be food and refreshments?

Yes, there will be food and beverage service at the post-event reception immediately following LCC.

Donate to the Celebration

USC provides outstanding, nationally recognized services to the LGBT community. With your support, we are able to continue our work and expand program like Lavender Commencement Celebration. Consider making a gift to help our LGBT and Ally students to graduate and become outstanding members of our community.

The book features critical information to help LGBT students select a campus, such as information about student groups, faculty and staff, housing, LGBT studies courses, gay-friendly resources on campus and the social scene. Lavender Commencement Celebration is one of the many resources that help to facilitate a welcoming environment for our LGBT and Ally students.

We provide outstanding, nationally recognized services to the USC LGBT community. With your support, we are able to continue our work and expand our Lavender Commencement Celebration. In fact, your support can help our services to grow. I hope you will consider making a contribution to help our LGBT and Ally students to graduate and become outstanding members of our community.